Nepalese Beads/Mala

Mala is a tool used to keep your mind on the meditation practice. Malas are generally made from different materials such as tulsi (basil) wood, sandal wood, rudraksh seeds or crystal. Each type of material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner.
The mala beads are moved in rhythm with the breath and the mantra, so that both-sleep as well as excessive mental distraction-are prevented by this action upon the beads.

Rudraksha Seeds hold a very special place in the Hindu religion and are often worn in strands of 108 beads by Sadhus (religious devotees of Hinduism). As per the vedic scriptures Rudraksh can nullify the effects of malefic planets to a great extent. Shastras say Rudraksh of any mukhis can never do any harm to the wearer unlike Navratnas, which have to be carefully chosen. No other bead is so auspicious and powerful as Rudraksh.

Buddha Chita (Bodhi) Beads is known as a special nepali Beads which are used specially by Buddhist for meditation. In some cases Indian Bodhi are also used.

Ebony Wood and Rosewood have been used to create beautifully hand carved beads. In addition these days aromatic sandalwood is also used to make beads. Besides glass beads, coral beads, semi precious stone beads, Tibetan Capped Beads can also be incorporated in your jewelry.

Specially made glass beads (Pote) are commonly used by women as a Jwellery to makeherself beautiful. According to the Nepali culture glass beads (Pote) is a symbol of happy life and prosperity.

How to use Mala for Meditation?

The mala is traditionally held in the right hand and used in two ways -

In one method, the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by one bead towards oneself with each repetition of the mantra. 

In the other method, the mala is hanging on the middle finger, with the thumb used to rotate the mala just as explained - one bead at a time.

                                \

Either way, the index finger is never used to touch the mala.